GGP,
You have to realize my procedure was done in 1992 which was 28 years ago, so I do not recall all specifics, but my understanding was that "dissolving sutures" were used. The thing I remember most was that my surgeon (Irwin Gelernt, who back in 1992 worked out of Mount Sina Hospital in New York City and carried the reputation as the best colorectal surgeon in the USA) looked me in the eye and told me that I should consider banking my sperm because I was 29 years old, single and the procedure does carry a risk of permanent and temporary impotence (which I was told were 2% and 10% respectively then-maybe lower now). That risk never came home to roost on me as I achieved an erection fairly soon after recovering from the surgery, and while still in the hospital. It was, needless to say, a happy moment in my recovery.
Calmoseptine is highly recommended and widely used to treat butt burn. Mine was not too bad and I got by with A&D and Desitin zinc oxide ointments. You have to realize that with any zinc oxide ointment, the higher the % of zinc oxide is, the thicker the ointment, and the thicker cream which will essentially caulk your butt cheeks together. Original Desitin is the thickest, it is around 40%. I found 10-15% preparations, which are creamier and less thick, but have to be applied more, worked best for me. Desitin, A&D and others make variable % zinc oxide ointments. I would recommend trying Calmoseptine first, based on feedback I have gotten from others.
On the theory that handling spicy foods before surgery meaning you have a good chance to handle after surgery: it depends on how your body will adjust and adapt your pH levels. Like I said, I had butt burn frequently for around 1-2 years after surgery, and not since. My body adjusted.
Good luck to you and it sounds like you are taking the proper steps going into surgery.